Council and
Committees

What is the Ontario Fire Code and How Does it Apply to Mississauga Property Owners

Nov 13, 2017

Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services (MFES) want all property owners to understand how the Ontario Fire Code applies to them and their property. MFES inspects properties (homes and businesses) to keep the community safe, prevent the risk of fire and ensure residents comply with the Ontario Fire Code.

“The code is provincial law with clearly defined safety requirements set out for property owners,” said Nancy Macdonald-Duncan, Assistant Chief, Fire Prevention and Life Safety, MFES. “It’s important that owners comply with the code or they may face significant charges.”

Some examples of safety requirements are:
• installing smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas
• ensuring that smoke alarms are maintained in operating condition
• replacing smoke alarms within the time frame indicated in the manufacturer’s instructions
• testing smoke alarms annually and after every change in tenancy in rental units

Macdonald-Duncan added, “Inspections are done on a regular basis, by request or complaint. Property owners are responsible for ensuring all relevant regulations and standards within the code are followed.”

Properties that do not meet the minimum standards of the code can be charged under the Provincial Offences Act. Owners can be fined:
• up to $100,000 for a company/organization
• up to $50,000 for an individual and/or
• a jail sentence for up to one year